Group A streptococcus infections of the throat cause strep throat or less commonly scarlet fever. SymptomsThe onset of rheumatic fever usually occurs about two to four weeks after a strep throat infection. If your child has one or more episodes of strep throat or scarlet fever that aren’t treated or aren’t treated completely, he or she might develop rheumatic fever. Heart tests: Heart tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or an echocardiogram (Ultrasound of the heart), help providers check your heart function. Treatment and preventionThe only way to prevent rheumatic fever is to treat strep throat infections or scarlet fever promptly with a full course of appropriate antibiotics.

Source: Punch November 22, 2021 15:03 UTC